Thousands of fans braved bone-chilling conditions to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card round of playoffs.
The Chiefs rolled to a comfortable 26-7 victory in what turned out to be the start of their remarkable Super Bowl run.
I’ve never been anywhere as cold as ̶y̶o̶u̶ Kansas City! 🥶🧊 There’s ice on the skybox windows as Taylor Swift watches BF Travis Kelce and the #Chiefs’ playoff game against the #Dolphins. (📷: @peacock) pic.twitter.com/w8jLJUkK1Q
— ExtraTV (@extratv) January 14, 2024
But the bitter cold that night may have exacted a severe toll.
Reports from Fox 4 News in Kansas City reveal that some attendees are now grappling with the grim possibility of amputations due to frostbite suffered during the game.
According to Dr. Megan L. Garcia, a general surgeon at Kansas City’s Grossman Burn Center, a staggering 70% of patients referred for frostbite injuries sustained at the game are being advised to schedule amputations.
TRAGIC: Many fans who suffered frostbite at the #Dolphins, #Chiefs playoff game need AMPUTATIONS.
70% of the frostbite patients affected by the recent extreme cold in the Kansas City area are being recommended for amputations, per Fox. pic.twitter.com/pUzNH4tkGV
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 7, 2024
This sobering statistic comes on the heels of Garcia’s earlier statements, where she indicated seeing numerous frostbite cases stemming from the frigid conditions of the game.
The game, which took place on January 13th at Arrowhead Stadium, saw temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling -4 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills reaching a staggering -27 degrees Fahrenheit.
This made it the fourth-coldest game in NFL history and the coldest ever for the Chiefs.
Some are children. For a football game.
"Some Kansas City Chiefs Fans Advised To Undergo Amputation After Cold-Weather Game"https://t.co/MNCFz0mBC7
— Fruitvale Local (@fruitvalelocal) March 7, 2024
Immediately following the game, reports emerged of at least 10 fans hospitalized with either frostbite or hypothermia.
NBC Sports reported in January that the NFL lacks a specific threshold for postponing or canceling games due to low temperatures.
This lack of guidelines raises questions about the safety of fans attending games in extreme weather conditions.
Imagine going to support a team who hasn’t won a playoff game in 24 years and all you got out of it was loss of limbs.
— Moosey (@0nlyMeez) March 7, 2024
We all know football is meant to be played in the elements.
Of course, it’s also wise to dress appropriately, especially when faced with such brutal cold and wind chill.
Hopefully things work out for all the fans affected.
What is the coldest game you’ve ever been to???